Registrations for European Waste Reduction Week are coming in steadily
On Monday, the second webinar was held for those interested in this year’s European Waste Reduction Week and future action developers. This knowledge-sharing event was held in connection with International E-Waste Day. The aim of the global day is to highlight the growing problems caused by electronic waste and to promote responsible e-waste management.
During the webinar, the organizers and professional contributors (KSZGYSZ, MOL MOHU Zrt., APPLiA Kft.) presented general and professional information related to the preparation and implementation of the Week, answered questions from interested parties, and encouraged them to plan and register as many diverse and locally relevant actions as possible by November 5 on the action week website: www.szelektalok.hu
The WEEK itself, which runs from November 22 to 30, is dedicated to the implementation of the registered action ideas. Reports on the events and programs implemented will be evaluated and awarded by a domestic jury in accordance with the rules of participation, and may be nominated for an international award.
The coordination of the Week is carried out by the National Energy Agency Ltd. with the support of the Ministry of Energy and the professional cooperation of the Association of Environmental Service Providers and Manufacturers. This year’s goals are to prevent waste generation, promote conscious purchasing, reuse, recycling, and proper waste management, and to explore and publish fresh, innovative ideas.
The organizers are looking for everyday practices, individual and community ideas, and practices that are planned to be introduced or have already been proven effective in helping us to conserve and protect our immediate and wider environment and to use resources sparingly.
The focus of this year’s Waste Reduction Week is e-waste, the proper management and reduction of which is a major environmental and economic challenge, as it contains both hazardous materials and valuable raw materials. By 2035, 65% of e-waste must be recycled, but currently this figure is only 30%, so we have work to do. Even more worrying is that the amount of e-waste is expected to continue to grow worldwide. That is why this year we are expecting actions that focus on preventing electrical and electronic equipment from becoming waste, on the safe repair, reuse, professional collection and recycling of these devices safe repair, reuse, proper collection, and recycling (delivery to the appropriate collection point), as well as all other awareness-raising initiatives related to reducing e-waste. To this end, the organizers are also recommending campaign ideas that campaign developers in any category can draw on.
The fate of electrical and electronic equipment after use is indicated by the familiar label: they definitely do not belong in the trash!
E-waste poses serious environmental and health risks due to the hazardous, toxic substances it contains (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium, or compounds such as brominated flame retardants). For this reason, it is not advisable to collect and store unused, non-functioning devices and equipment (e.g., cell phones) in our homes. Local hazardous waste collection campaigns and waste collection sites serve this purpose. It is worth visiting waste collection sites to ensure the safe and convenient disposal of all types of waste, as in addition to e-waste, they also accept (large) cardboard boxes, plastic, metal, and glass waste that is no longer needed.
The organizers are looking forward to new ideas and action plans so that, as in previous years, the domestic and international green community can learn about hundreds of registered and implemented actions this year. Registration is ongoing, and the organizers’ informational webinars will continue until the registration deadline for the Week, November 5.
For more information: